Walkhighlands

Looking for a relatively gentle walk for our first day in the Lakes - this looked like it could fit the bill with reasonably gentle gradients and options to shorten or lengthen as required. We planned to park at Longlands and climb Meal Fell, with options to return via one or more Wainwrights if energy permitted.

We set off from Braithwaite in the general direction of "north", then discovered our map only went as far as half way up Bassenthwaite, so the first problem was finding Longlands. The sat-nav tried to take us to somewhere in Cornwall, but we were pretty sure that wasn't right...

Fortunately we were able to piece together enough clues from road signs and Wainwright maps to find our way to the parking spot without too much drama.

Parking at Longlands

There were a few cars already parked there, but plenty of room.

Parking at Longlands

Heading through the gat onto the old road we were met by a lot of curious sheep. I think Ruby was a bit scared of them, having not seem so many all together before.

Reception committee

A sharp right turn tooks onto the path along the valley towards Trusmadoor.

The path to Trusmadoor

Heading up the valley

The path followed the line of a wall for quite a distance, before eventually branching off to the left at these sheep pens.

Sheepfold and dipping pens

Our first target for the day came into view.

Meal Fell

Lovely scenery around here

Trees on the skyline

Trees on the hilltop

Looking back

The pass at Trusmadoor (what a great name) was soon reached - it's s little distance but a very easy walk to get there from Longlands.

Heading into Trusmadoor

Looking back from Trusmadoor

After passing through Trusmadoor we turned sharp left and for the first time the gradient got a little steeper to climb Meal Fell.

View from Trusmadoor

There's a lovely little shelter on the top of Meal Fell, and we stopped for a spot of lunch.

Approaching the summit of Meal Fell

Then on towards Great Sca Fell. Lovely views from the top.

Skiddaw from Great Sca Fell

Meal Fell and Great Cockup

Lowthwaite Fell and Longlands Fell

We had made pretty good time so far, and seeing Knott so close to us (and so far from anywhere else) it seemed a shame not to make a quick detour, as we would be unlikely to be this close to it again!

View from Knott

Then we retraced our steps over the top of Great Sca Fell to Little Sca Fell

Little Sca Fell

Then on to Brae Fell, and back up and round to Lowthwaite Fell

View from Lowthwaite Fell

Lowthwaite Fell is not a Wainwright, though I'm not really sure why it should have been omitted yet Longlands Fell included - it seems to be the higher of the two fells on the ridge, and has the better views...

Looking back at Brae Fell it was obvious why the path had not taken the direct route!

Brae Fell

We followed the ridge down over Longlands Fell to the old road.

Over Water by Richard Chapman, on Flickr

Then down the old road back to the car. One last view of Skiddaw on the way.

Skiddaw in the distance

A most enjoyable first day of our week in the Lakes, exploring an area I really don't know at all.

Wow, you're off to a flyer there RC, don't be using up all your energy in the first few days though Lovely photos throughout mate, hope the rest of the week stays fine for you

Nice report Richard, still got these fells to do so you have provided food for thought. Cheers.